RECAP: Law enforcement holds press conference after capturing Drummond
JACKSON, Tenn. — After the capture of Austin Drummond, law enforcement agencies that played a part in searching for and arresting Drummond held a news conference in downtown Jackson.
TBI Director David Rausch shared that phase one is complete, however, this is not the end of the ongoing investigation.
Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box also took a moment to honor the victims.
“I want to begin by calling the names of those that were tragically taken, Cortney Rose, Adrianna Williams, Bradyon Williams, James Matthew Wilson. Their names deserve to be spoken, their lives deserve to be remembered, and their families deserve justice,” said Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box.
Just one week ago, on July 29, four bodies were found in Lake County and were also confirmed to be in connection to a baby that was found abandoned in Dyer County.
Since that discovery, a week-long manhunt ensued. Four cars were found during this process, three suspects were taken into custody, and as of Tuesday, August 5, Austin Drummond has been captured.
“Just after 8 o’clock am we received multiple calls of sightings of the suspect. Placing resources there immediately resulted in an additional citizens called at about 8:57 am. We took advantage of that quickly evolving situation and made the arrest about 9:05 am. I’d like to introduce you to Officer Trout, Officer Compton and Officer Brown,” said Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley.
L-R: Trout, Brown and Compton
Multiple law officials shared that this apprehension was not possible without the community’s involvement and use of cameras.
Due to this being an ongoing investigation, the TBI can not confirm exactly why Drummond allegedly murdered those four individuals. But the exact familial ties were shared.
“In terms to the relation to the suspect and the victim. The suspects girlfriend is the sister of a victim, is a daughter of a victim, and is the sister of–well two victims,” said TBI Director David Rausch.
Tanaka Brown, Giovonti Thomas, and Dearrah Sanders were arrested. The exact relation of these alleged suspects and drummond has not been shared.
However, they are facing the charge of accessory after the fact of first-degree murder, and Brown was also charged with tampering with evidence.
It has been alleged that Drummond has ties to a gang, along with his previous charges from his case in 2013 and his actions while in Madison County jail. This will all be accounted for during this investigation and while he is in jail.
“All of his activities will certainly be considered, not only in our investigative efforts and the justice process but certainly in his housing and how he will be managed going forward,” said Rausch.
According to Mobile Patrol he is booked into the Obion County Jail.
He is facing 4 charges of 1st degree murder, 1 count of aggravated kidnapping, 4 counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, and one count of possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony.
“I can tell you that we did recover a couple of weapons at this point. We’re still searching to see what is still out there,” said Rausch.
On social media, there has been images circling of what appears to be where drummond was found and staying. Officials have shared that at the time it was vacant but they are unable to confirm if he has any relation to those owners.
As for the $32,500 reward for his conviction and arrest, that is still being determined.
“We will look into that very specifically to determine who will, more than likely from what I heard there will be more than one person who will receive a portion of the award,” said Rausch.
TBI shares that they are still investigating Drummond’s actions from the week-long manhunt. If residents see something that may have belonged to him please call your local authorities and do not touch the items.
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